A Qualitative Exploration of Gender Identity in Young People who identify as Neither Male nor Female

Prof Doc Thesis

Boddington, Ellen 2016. A Qualitative Exploration of Gender Identity in Young People who identify as Neither Male nor Female. Prof Doc Thesis University of East London Psychology

Authors

Boddington, Ellen

Type

Prof Doc Thesis

Abstract

The dominant approach to categorising gender in western cultures, follows a binarysystem, where the gender of an individual must be either male or female. However,some individuals feel that their gender identity is neither male nor female, and maydefine themselves as non-binary. Non-binary gender has predominantly beenencompassed within wider transgender research and, therefore, little is known abouthow young people who identify as non-binary describe their gender identity.This research study explored how young people with non-binary gender identitiesdescribe and understand their gender identity. The influence of relationships withothers upon gender identity was explored, along with what these young people wouldlike from services.Six young people aged between 15 and 18 with non-binary gender identities wererecruited from a NHS gender identity development service and a third sectororganisation supporting young people with gender development. Semi-structuredinterviews were carried out and analysed using thematic analysis.The research indicated that the participants utilised the internet as a source ofinformation during the process of gender exploration and discovery. Talking to othersboth within and outside of the transgender community provided them with the spaceto explore, discover and find validation and acceptance of their non-binary genders.This study also suggests that the impact of gender uncertainty and body distress ontheir emotional wellbeing could be exacerbated or mitigated according to theresponse and support received from others. Furthermore, the young people that tookpart in this research were very aware of negative judgements of those in theircommunity and also within wider society. The stigma and discrimination was thoughtby the participants to be fuelled by the lack of awareness and education of non-binarygenders. Consequently, there was a desire for activism and social action to reducestigma and to improve the everyday lives of those with non-binary genders.A critical review of the study is provided and theoretical and clinical implications areoffered.